Three-Dimensional Prototyping with PLA for the Electrical Sector: Perspectives and Challenges in Material Development

Diana Aline Gomes, Luís Fernando Cusioli (), Daniel Mantovani, Angelo Marcelo Tusset, Silvio Miguel Parmegiani Marcucci, Giane Gonçalves Lenzi, Antonio Benjamim Mapossa and Rosângela Bergamasco
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Diana Aline Gomes: Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil
Luís Fernando Cusioli: Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil
Daniel Mantovani: Post-Graduate Program in Production Engineering (PPGEP), Federal University of Technology (UTFPR), Ponta Grossa 84017-220, Paraná, Brazil
Angelo Marcelo Tusset: Post-Graduate Program in Production Engineering (PPGEP), Federal University of Technology (UTFPR), Ponta Grossa 84017-220, Paraná, Brazil
Silvio Miguel Parmegiani Marcucci: Post-Graduate Program in Production Engineering (PPGEP), Federal University of Technology (UTFPR), Ponta Grossa 84017-220, Paraná, Brazil
Giane Gonçalves Lenzi: Post-Graduate Program in Production Engineering (PPGEP), Federal University of Technology (UTFPR), Ponta Grossa 84017-220, Paraná, Brazil
Antonio Benjamim Mapossa: Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calagary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calagary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
Rosângela Bergamasco: Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-17

Abstract: Additive manufacturing with polylactic acid (PLA) presents significant potential for the electrical sector, especially in rapid prototyping and customized component fabrication. While PLA is valued for its biodegradability and ease of processing, its limited thermal stability and poor electrical conductivity restrict its use in high-performance applications. This study investigates the enhancement of PLA through the incorporation of conductive and thermally resistant fillers, aiming to expand its functional properties. Advances in multimaterial and 4D printing are also explored as strategies to increase the applicability of PLA in the production of sensors, flexible circuits, and tailored electrical devices. The findings support PLA’s potential as a sustainable, high-value material for next-generation electrical manufacturing.

Keywords: additive manufacturing; polylactic acid; reinforced composites; 3D printing; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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